Is Wilson, WY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
48/100
Wilson, WY — Water Quality Report
Wilson's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 536 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 231 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wilson's water
Wilson ranks #53 out of 65 cities in Wyoming for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Wilson relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Wilson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 73 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wilson, WY water safe to drink?
Wilson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 536 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wilson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wilson's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Endrin, Methoxychlor, Toxaphene.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Radium-226.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wilson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Wilson's water system has 231 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 73 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Wilson's water come from?
Wilson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 536 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Gros Ventre River (river), Granite C Ab Granite C Supplemental, Nr Moose (river), Fish Creek (river), Flat Creek Below Cache Creek, (river), Snake River Below Flat Creek, (river).
What Wilson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wilson's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtTeton County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Wilson's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wilson compares by contaminant
Explore where Wilson ranks among all Wyoming cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wilson's water comes from
Wilson's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 536 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Wilson
Wilson is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wilson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FISH CREEK IMPROVEMENT AND SERVICE DIST | WY5601473 | 210 | GW |
| INDIAN PAINTBRUSH WATER DISTRICT | WY5600758 | 150 | GW |
| WILSON PARK SUBDIVISION | WY5601624 | 75 | GW |
| C-V RANCHES (BOCES REG V) | WY5600806 | 51 | GW |
| HWY 390 LLC | WY5601725 | 50 | GW |
How Wilson compares
Full Wyoming rankings →Wilson's score of 48/100 is below the average of 55/100 among major Wyoming cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wyoming rankings →About Wilson, WY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wilson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Teton
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilson, WY tap water safe to drink?
Wilson's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #53 out of 65 cities tested in Wyoming.
What contaminants are in Wilson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 231 violations are on record.
How is Wilson's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Wilson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wilson's water come from?
Wilson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 536 residents.
What health violations has Wilson's water system had?
Wilson has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wilson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wilson uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 231 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Wilson's water compare to other cities?
Wilson ranks #53 out of 65 cities in Wyoming (better than 18% of state cities) and #13551 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.